Thousands of pounds worth of illegal tobacco products were seized after officers discovered a hidden stash beneath a trap door in a Dover shop. The covert operation targeted illicit cigarettes, tobacco, and vapes across the district.
On Friday 10 April 2026, Dover’s Community Safety Unit joined forces with Kent County Council’s Trading Standards to conduct coordinated raids on seven businesses. During a visit to a shop on London Road, officers found a secret trap door under a desk concealing a large haul of illegal tobacco products.
Despite the business owners denying any wrongdoing, they now face a full Trading Standards investigation. Similar hidden compartments were uncovered in other premises, resulting in the seizure and destruction of hundreds of illegal products.
Chief Inspector Liz Cokayne-Delves commented, “The measures taken to conceal illegal products make it clear those responsible know the damage they cause. These unregulated goods are often dangerous. Kent Police will keep working with partners to disrupt supply chains.”
Jim Whiddett, Operations Manager for Kent Trading Standards, added, “From false walls to fake shower units, officers never stop finding clever hides. Illegal tobacco undercuts honest businesses, lines criminals’ pockets, and puts harmful products within reach of young people and those trying to quit.”
He urged the public to report suspicious shops anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
The locations targeted in the raids included High Street, London Road, Worthington Street, and Biggin Street.
Originally published by UKNIP.
